Is this what we
have decided success should look like? A black man could be drowning in debts and unable to provide for his family but as long as he owns a car, the rest of the community celebrate him as a success, why? Have we enslaved ourselves to materialism?
Is the black community obsessed with looking successful rather than being
successful? Before you accuse Absa of racism or the government of corruption,
think long and hard on why the black community view success as having material
things? Why would a bank find it easy to run such an advert? Why is the black
community not the target market for wealth-generating investments? Yes, we are
black and everything is racial with us but this post is by no means a racial
war. Let’s for a moment blame it on racism but the question still remains, have
we proven the banks to be wrong about us? Why do majority of black youths still
live in their parents back rooms yet drive around in expensive cars as soon as
they get a job?
These questions for the
most part demonstrate issues that are not political. A politician cannot
write legislation to force anyone to invest their income as opposed to consume
it or purchase a car within your means of income. We have very limited control
over what politicians or financial institutions do. However, the decisions we
make with our own finances on a day-to-day basis are completely within our own
control. Therefore, let’s focus more on issues within our own control such as
our obsession with material things. A decision to buy flashy cars or expensive
clothing is 100% your responsibility. The government has nothing to do with
that.
The financial institutions simply cash in on that decision. They are simply feeding us what we asked for. Every business conducts market research and run their adverts accordingly. So, from the business point of view this advert is based on market research.
The financial institutions simply cash in on that decision. They are simply feeding us what we asked for. Every business conducts market research and run their adverts accordingly. So, from the business point of view this advert is based on market research.
The black community is
generally more interested in flashing what they have than other races. They are
the first to buy the flashiest cars and most expensive watches. Black
people look for that which says: “I have arrived” A flashy car, an expensive
watch or anything that visibly demonstrates that one has money is the norm
for most black people. A great number of black people have no assets other than
a car. It is a known fact that black people worship at the altar of
materialism. Yes, success means different things to different people, but isn’t
it time for the black community to realize that there are other forms of
success worth glorifying?
We must learn to
prioritize our thoughts and our actions based on what is truly important. We
should pay attention to the larger picture of our role and contributions to the
society. A successful person is one who makes it easier for others to succeed.
Flashing material things around does not inspire anybody but intimidates. What
are we leaving as footprint for the next generation? Our children are looking
up to us. Materialism is not a good enough legacy. Think hard on how and where
you spend your money. We should manage our resources well enough to eventually
start our own businesses or invest wisely in wealth generating assets. We
should be willing to do whatever is necessary to create a stronger financial
foundation for the future generations.
The trap of materialism
is that it celebrates the mantra, "live for today". The reality
is that there is posterity to consider. We must build a society that values
making a positive impact for generations to come. An obsession for legacy
building should replace the relentless worship of materialism in the black
community. Why are other races ahead of black people? The answer lies in the
way we think. Our mindset is holding us back.
We should give up the
chase for money and the chase for materialism. Change our mindset on money.
Change our mindset on what we’ve been told success is. SUCCESS IS NOT
MATERIALISM. So, instead of chasing material things, chase building a
legacy that will outlive you. Chase wealth for generations to come. Chase
comfort and a security for your family. Chase owning your own time. Chase
determining your own pay cheque. And then money will chase you. You will truly
be happy and live a life of fulfillment when you give up the chase for money
and materialism.
In conclusion, there is
nothing inherently wrong with acquiring material possessions. The problem
however is what we have allowed material things to mean, other than
the fact that they are expensive. The subliminal messages we are sending
says: "I am because of what I have; I am because of what others can
see I have" This is a dangerous mindset. Material
possessions do not define the person who has them.
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